MTN`s $5bn deal goes smoothly

The week began with news that the Independent Communications Authority of SA (ICASA) Amendment Act had been signed into law by president Thabo Mbeki. While this event happened relatively quietly, questions emerged (like they did with the Electronic Communications Act) as to when it will actually come into effect.

Tuesday highlighted the complaints of many industry players who feel the allocation of certain bandwidth spectrums are unfair, in that a large amount of the spectrum is allocated to state-owned entities and the military. At a conference in Sandton, debates got rather heated around how much bandwidth Sentech does - and should - have.

At a conference in Sandton, debates got rather heated around how much bandwidth Sentech does - and should - have.

Dave Glazier, journalist, ITWeb

Also on Tuesday was MTN shareholders` vote in favour of MTN`s proposed purchase of Middle Eastern operator Investcom. The deal has received support from both groups` shareholders for the acquisition of the Beirut-based Investcom, which operates cellular networks in 10 Middle Eastern and African countries.

On Wednesday ICASA said number portability would definitely be allowed on exactly midnight on 18 September. It`s good news to finally get a firm date from ICASA. As the market waits for the impact of number porting, analysts have predicted fees of no more than a few hundred rand for the service.

President Thabo Mbeki signed a proclamation this week withdrawing the implementation dates for the registration of cellphone users by the network operators. Parliament is amending the law to allow the registration process to change from the originally required paper-based registration process to an electronic system.

Deputy minister of communications Roy Padayachie appeared at the inauguration of a Business Connexion (BCX) data centre, in Midrand, on Wednesday.

Padayachie said the newly-approved provisions of the Electronic Communications (EC) Act will reshape the telecommunications landscape. He noted that within six months of the EC Act`s promulgation, SA could look forward to affordable access to international bandwidth and local loop unbundling.

Finally, this week, SITA and the SA Revenue Service revealed a plan to develop a Web portal allowing people to co-ordinate the transactions they have with various government departments. It`s an ambitious plan, but doesn`t stand up too well to scrutiny.